I'm posting one puzzle, riddle, math, or statistical problem a day. Try to answer each one and post your answers in the comments section. I'll post the answer the next day. Even if you have the same answer as someone else, feel free to put up your answer, too!

Tuesday, November 15, 2005

whole numbers: m and n

Two whole numbers, m and n, have been chosen. Both are unequal to 1 and the sum of them is less than 100. The product, m × n, is given to mathematician X. The sum, m + n, is given to mathematician Y. Then both mathematicians have the following conversation:

X: "I have no idea what your sum is, Y." Y: "That's no news to me, X. I already knew you didn't know that." X: "Ahah! Now I know what your sum must be, Y!" Y: "And now I also know what your product is, X!"

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Tuesday, November 15, 2005

whole numbers: m and n

Two whole numbers, m and n, have been chosen. Both are unequal to 1 and the sum of them is less than 100. The product, m × n, is given to mathematician X. The sum, m + n, is given to mathematician Y. Then both mathematicians have the following conversation:

X: "I have no idea what your sum is, Y." Y: "That's no news to me, X. I already knew you didn't know that." X: "Ahah! Now I know what your sum must be, Y!" Y: "And now I also know what your product is, X!"